Police were in the "early stages" of investigation into the incident and no charges had been laid yet, she said.
"We are unable to provide any further comment at this time, but I would like to emphasise how concerned police are about the harmful effects of the substance involved.
"This incident highlights the serious risks people take with their health - and their lives - when they take a substance without any idea of what it is or where it came from."
Enquiries regarding the substance and its source were continuing, she said.
It is understood the soldiers were stationed at Linton Military Camp - the largest New Zealand army base, located just south of Palmerston North.
The men were originally taken into police custody before being transported to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment. All eight were treated and discharged on Sunday.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokeswoman said there was a "strict no-tolerance policy" around the misuse of drugs.
Several soldiers were taken into custody by police on Sunday and an investigation was now underway, she said.
"NZDF holds its personnel to a high standard of behaviour. Any drug-related incident is fully investigated and appropriate action taken," she said.
"Any charges laid before the courts will be at the discretion of the New Zealand Police."
In the past, soldiers found to be using illicit drugs have faced disciplinary action including fines, military prison sentences or dismissal.
Six New Zealand soldiers allegedly using hashish - a potent form of cannabis - were sent home from Afghanistan in disgrace in 2008.
Another three Kiwi soldiers were sentenced to 28 days in military prison at Burnham Military Camp, near Christchurch, after controlled morphine-type painkiller Penthrox.
Police and health officials have warned people to avoid "N Bomb", or 25B-NBOMe, and seek medical help immediately if suffering from adverse effects.
The drug has been linked to deaths in Australia, Asia and the US.
Earlier this month, six people were treated for "N Bomb" use in Christchurch Hospital, including one 20-year-old man who was critically ill on life support after suffering multiple organ failure. He is still in hospital but is now stable.
His father said the effects of the drug was "a hell of a shock".
"I've never seen so many young boys crying," he said.
Canterbury emergency medicine specialist Dr Paul Gee said "N Bomb" was a powerful synthetic hallucinogen.
"Hallucinations, confusion and agitation are common symptoms, sometimes leading to uncontrollable violent behaviour.
"Recreational doses are measured in tiny microgram quantities (less than the size of a match-head) so it is very easy to use more than intended," he said.
**
What is "N Bomb"?
*Designer drug "N-Bomb", or 25B-NBOMe, is a powerful synthetic hallucinogen related to amphetamines.
*It emerged in New Zealand in 2012.
*The drug is sold in the form of paper, white powder, tablets or capsules.
*It has been linked with a number of deaths worldwide - including one man in Australia who died after running into trees and poles repeatedly as a result of an overdose. In 2013, a 17-year-old Sydney man jumped to his death because he thought he could fly.
*Six people in Christchurch were hospitalised as a result of its effects in October.
*An overdose can cause hallucinations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, agitation, aggression, delirium, seizures and even renal failure or coma.
NZME lp ml
